• Sept. 2nd – Labor Day - School CLOSED for Students & Staff

• Sept. 4th – Fall Picture Day

• Sept. 9th-Oct. 9th – BFMS Fall Fundraiser BEGINS!

• Sept. 13th – 6th Grade Fall Festival, 3-5 pm, West Hall Gym

• Sept. 16th-20th – Spirit Week for Attendance

• Sept, 17th, 18th, 20th, & 24th (25th Rain Date) – 6th Grade Science Creek Week

• Sept. 18th – 7th Grade Field Trip - Career Quest at Berglund Center, Roanoke

• Sept. 24th – Q1 Progress Report Cards

• Sept. 24th – 7th Grade Vision Screening

• A total of 5 tardies/early check-out (unexcused) = 1 absence (unexcused)

• Less than 20+ absences (excused or unexcused) Compulsory School Attendance Law
• Students who miss 18 days or more in a school year are chronically absent as defined by the VA Dept of Education.
• Student may be required to attend summer school.
• Discipline, grades, completion of make-up work, and extenuating circumstances will be considered when reviewing such cases.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY CHILD HAS MISSED TOO MUCH SCHOOL?

• After accumulation of 5 days (excused or unexcused) within a 9 week grading period, the attendance office will notify the parent or guardian throughout the school year.
• After 5 unexcused absences, a school social worker, administrator, or counselor will begin the Compulsory School Attendance procedure, which may include
• Meeting with school personnel to develop and sign an attendance contract
• Meeting with the Franklin County Truancy Multidisciplinary Team pursuant to VAC 22.1-258.
• In severe cases or cases with a history of attendance concerns and interventions, charges may be pursued against the parent in accordance with VAC 22.1-258.

ABSENCE NOTES

Students and parents may submit absence notes electronically to: bfmsattendance@frco.k12.va.us

• Please include the following -

  1. Student’s Full Name,

  2. Student's Grade,

  3. Student Lunch Number,

  4. Parent / Guardian Name,

  5. Dates of Absence with Reason

  6. Please a clear photo of any medical excuse and send to: bfmsattendance@frco.k12.va.us

  If a provider needs to fax documentation the number is: 540-483-5585

• Students can be excused with a parent note for five days per semester for illness. We cannot excuse students using a phone call.

• Documentation should be received within three days of the absence in order to be excused.

• When notes are submitted electronically the original document is not required. If you are unable to submit a note by email please have the student turn in the note to guidance upon their return. Also, this is for absence notes only, and any other communication and messages to teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, etc., needs to be addressed directly to that individual / office.

• Contact the guidance secretary, your team leader or the front office with ANY questions. Attendance must be correct!

If checking out early, a parent/guardian must bring a valid ID to the school office to complete the check out process.

• GR. 6 - BFMS-E Dismissal: 2:53 p.m.
• GR. 7 & 8 - BFMS-W Dismissal: 2:55 p.m.
• GR. 8 - The Gereau Center Dismissal: 2:53 p.m.

Students needing a bus pass should bring a note from their parents or guardian to the guidance office in their building. All changes for student afternoon transportation need to be in to the guidance office no later than 2:30 pm each day to ensure that your child gets the message. After 2:30 pm, we are unable to make any changes. Thank you for your help and cooperation.

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.

2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.

3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.

4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.

Who to contact if your child doesn't want to come to school, please contact the school so we can help!

Any middle school student who attends any Varsity Football game at Franklin County High School MUST be accompanied by an adult to be allowed admission. All middle school students MUST be supervised at all times during the game. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Scan the QR code to be directed to the ordering link or click here: https://851921-d0.myshopify.com

A special thanks to The Bearded Artisan LLC for offering spirit wear to our community!

• Tennis will begin for 7th and 8th graders on Wednesday September 4. Please see Mrs. Slough in west and Ms. Meeks at TGC for more information.

• Boys basketball open gym will begin on Wednesday, September 4 from 6:00-7:30 in the west gym. Girls basketball open gym will begin on Monday, September 9 from 3:30-5:45 in the west gym. Other open gym dates will be posted on the BFMS website under the athletics tab. See or email Mrs. Slough if you have any questions.

• Girls’ out of season lacrosse practices will be on Mondays and Thursday starting Sept. 5th from 3:30 to 5 on the upper practice field at the high school. Anyone interested in playing girls lacrosse is welcome! In order to practice the high school MUST have a new physical on file! If you have any questions please reach out to Coach Barker or Coach Dudley.

• Any seventh or eighth graders interested in Fall Baseball should see Coach Millard in the West Gym to sign up. You must have a physical on file to participate. Practice will start on Wednesday September 4th.

• Project Background
  If you've been on campus recently, you've likely noticed some changes taking place. The HVAC and Roof Replacement Renovation for East and West Halls has been a priority for our school system since July 2016. This project has gone through various stages and was temporarily put on hold during the pandemic. The renovation involves replacing HVAC systems, installing new ceilings, upgrading to LED lighting in East and West Halls, and adding a new roof on West Hall. At the July 10th, 2023 school board meeting, the board approved moving forward with the project, which will cost approximately $23 million—seven years after initial planning began!

• Current Status
  Phases 1 and 2 are now complete, which includes renovations on the lower level of East Hall, the main office, and the gym. Phase 3 started in July and is expected to be finished by early to mid-October.

• Upcoming Work
  Phase 4 is scheduled to begin around early to mid-October. This phase will focus on five classrooms on the upper level of East Hall, the East Hall Auditorium, and thirteen classrooms in West Hall. During this time, East Hall students will remain in the East Hall building, while the mobile units will house the West Hall classrooms undergoing construction.

• School Safety
  Ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. We have increased safety patrols around the construction area throughout the day. We are also collaborating closely with contractors to ensure all safety protocols are followed. Additionally, we are fortunate to have two School Resource Officers from the Rocky Mount Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on campus.

We are asking that our families continue to show us grace and patience as we navigate through these changes to our campus during morning arrival, afternoon dismissal, and events on campus. Our traffic patterns will remain the same, however there may be some delays from time to time.

Thank you to our School Board and the Board of Supervisors for their support in making this project a reality!